Page 85 of All The Happily Ever Afters

“What are you thinking?” I press him for more, reaching out with both hands to hold on to his shirt and looking my husband in the eyes.

“We have at least another 18 or more years of mom and dad life, and I love it. I really do, but I want some nights where it’s just the two of us, so I can tease you. Eric is hiring another manager. I’m stepping back. I’m going to be the owner, instead of a worker. I’m stepping back like you wanted sweetheart. I promise I am.”

“Can you do that?” I’m breathless with anticipation and shock.

“We can afford it,” he answers with a single nod.

“I meancan youdo that,” stressing the question.

My husband takes a half step forward, folding his arms around me and pulling me in so he’s only a handful of inches away from me. “What I can’t do is continue to come home after my son is already in bed. I can’t keep missing you either. Missing us and the memories we should be making.” He adds, “Your weekends are with the family and now mine are too.”

“You promise?” I can’t believe he’s actually doing it. I’m so happy I could cry. I know it may take time though. The bar was his baby before I came along and stole him away.

He states proudly, “I’m also declaring Fridays date nights and between your mom and sister, Maggie, and my sisters and mom, we have plenty of sitters…”

I stop him here, kissing him like a mad woman, my arms flying around his neck. When I break the kiss, I tell him I love him.

He doesn’t have to tell me he loves me too; I know he does, but he says the words just the same.

We had a whirlwind romance and all I want to do is hold on to it forever.

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